Consumer Price Index climbs in January

Feb. 17, 2011
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by Eric Schroeder

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WASHINGTON — The overall Consumer Price Index rose 0.4% in January to 221.1, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor. With the gain, the index now has increased 1.6% over the past 12 months. The index for food and beverages also finished higher, rising 0.5% to 222.6 in January after rising 0.1% in both December and November.

The indexes for gasoline and fuel oil both increased in January, continuing their recent strong upward trend.

The food index rose 0.5% in January after climbing 0.1% in December and 0.2% in November, and all six major grocery store food groups posted increases.

The sharpest gain was posted in the index for nonalcoholic beverages, which rose 1.5% to 162.6. The gain reflected sharp advances in the indexes for carbonated drinks and coffee, the B.L.S. said.

Fruits and vegetables also moved up sharply, increasing 1.3% to 278.5. The index had advanced 1.8% in December, and the most recent gain in part reflected a 2.1% increase in the index for fresh vegetables.

The index for meats, poultry, fish and eggs rose 0.9% to 213.9, while the index for cereals and bakery products rose 0.8% to 253.9.

The indexes for dairy and related products and for other food at home posted slight increases, with the former up 0.1% in January and the latter up 0.2%.

The index for food away from home rose 0.2% in January and has risen 1.5% over the past 12 months.

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